Reconciliation Week takes place September 23-29, 2024 in Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Reconciliation Week kicks off Monday in Lethbridge

Sep 23, 2024 | 12:05 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It is a weeklong festivity celebrating Indigenous peoples and cultures.

Reconciliation Week in Lethbridge runs from September 23-29, 2024.

Some of the events, as outlined in a City of Lethbridge news release, are as follows:

Opening Ceremonies
This year’s official opening ceremonies will be held outside City Hall at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 23, with a traditional blessing and greetings from Indigenous Elders and officials.

Reconciliation Awards night
Monday will also see the Reconciliation Awards night hosted at City Hall. Several community members and organizations will be recognized for their outstanding dedication to building stronger relationships anchored in trust, respect and equality in the Reconciliation space. Tickets for this event are available here. Fresh off his Olympic debut, Kainai Nation swimmer, Apollo Hess will be the keynote speaker of the evening.

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Orange Shirt Design 2024
This year’s Orange Shirt was designed by Blackfoot artist, Deserae Ootoh’kotskinna (Yellow Horn) Akik’inakii (Stars twinkling at the same time). Akik’inakii’s design connects to the Blackfoot story of the Pleiades, who were once neglected children. The design shows one child being helped up to their feet by another, symbolizing hope and unity.

A limited number of shirts are available for pick-up at the Lethbridge Sport Council office (Second Floor, 401 Laval Blvd. West, Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre) or from the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee booth at the Word of the Street Festival this weekend at the Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch.

Community film viewing
The City and Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee (RLAC) are proudly sponsoring the free screening of the documentary, Singing back the Buffalo, at the Movie Mill.
The film has been showing at no cost to the public on over the past week with one more screening on Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m.

The documentary shows how Indigenous visionaries, scientists and communities are re-matriating the buffalo to the heart of the North American plains they once defined, signaling a turning point for Indigenous nations, the ecosystem and our collective survival.

Events and more
Events and opportunities for gathering are happening across the city, including the Lethbridge Public Library’s Orange Shirt Walk on September 29. To see the full list of events and activities, head to the Reconciliation Lethbridge Facebook page.

The University of Lethbridge is hosting its own series of events. The full schedule is available here.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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